Pre-orders for Kia Sonet sub-compact SUV commence at select dealerships
What's the story
Kia's newly-revealed Sonet sub-compact SUV will go on sale in India next month. In the latest development, select company dealerships in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi have started accepting unofficial pre-bookings for the car against a token amount of Rs. 10,000-25,000. As for the pocket-pinch, the premium vehicle is expected to be launched at Rs. 7 lakh. Here's our roundup.
Exteriors
Kia Sonet: At a glance
The Kia Sonet has an eye-catching design, featuring a 'Tiger Nose' grille, an air dam with hexagonal mesh, and a muscular-looking bonnet with sculpted lines. It also sports a silver-finished faux skid plate, roof rails, faux twin exhausts, and 16-inch alloy wheels. For lighting, the compact SUV gets Seltos-inspired sleek LED headlights with 'heartbeat' DRLs and LED tail lamps.
Interiors
A peek inside the cabin
The Sonet offers a premium cabin featuring automatic climate control, 7-speaker Bose audio system, ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger, an air purifier, and a sunroof. It also sports a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment console with support for the company's UVO connectivity suite. On the safety front, the compact SUV offers six airbags, ABS with EBD, and a hill assist control system.
Engine
Power and performance
Kia is yet to reveal the engine options that will be offered on the Sonet. However, as per reports, the car will have three BS6-compliant engine options- 1.2-liter petrol, 1.5-liter diesel, and 1.0-liter turbo-petrol. The petrol unit generates 82hp/114Nm, whereas the turbo-petrol and diesel powertrains make 118hp/172Nm and 99hp/240Nm, respectively. Transmission options will include a 5/6-speed manual, an iMT, and a torque-converter/dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Information
What about the pricing?
The Kia Sonet sub-compact SUV will be launched in India in September and is expected to cost between Rs. 7-12 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, the car will take on the likes of Hyundai Venue, Honda WR-V, Tata Nexon, and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.